Getting blasted before blasting into space

A panel reviewing astronaut health issues in the wake of the Lisa Nowak arrest has found that on at least two occasions astronauts were allowed to fly after flight surgeons and other astronauts warned they were so intoxicated that they posed a flight-safety risk.

The panel, also reported “heavy use of alcohol” by astronauts before launch, within the standard 12-hour “bottle to throttle” rule applied to NASA flight crew members.

A NASA spokesman declined comment on the findings, which were obtained by Aviation Week & Space Technology. The spokesman said a press conference has tentatively been scheduled for Friday afternoon on the issue.

Ok, let’s just say this is not going to help NASA’s credibility.

But before jumping all over the astronauts, I suppose it’s prudent to remember that they’re only human. But geez, “heavy use of alcohol” before flying into space? That’s going to leave a mark.

While this isn’t as embarassing or sensationalistic as the Nowak diaper caper, it is clearly more damaging to NASA because these indiscretions occurred while astronauts were performing their most essential task.

UPDATE: NASA will release the report tomorrow, and has officially scheduled a news conference at noon. You can watch on NASA TV if you like.